Elise Pioch Balzac's Insider Guide to Cadaqués, Spain
Elise Pioch Balzac, founder and creative director of homewares brand Maison Balzac, grew up visiting this whitewashed village on the Costa Brava.
Stay
Hostal Marina
“I’ve stayed here for years. It’s in the centre of town about 20 metres from the beach. The rooms are clean and white – pay €10 extra and book one with a terrace and sea view.”
La Casa Verda
“Pull together 10 couples and book this incredible 1920s Mediterranean villa overlooking the ocean.”
Eat
Mut
“This is where we go for salad with warm goat’s cheese and fig jam. Ask for a tinto de verano [red wine and lemon soda], which isn’t on the menu. It’s walk-ins only.”
Plaça del Doctor Pont, 12
Patisseria Can Cabrisas
“The bakery’s famous homemade chocolates in the shape of sea urchins (above) and its delicious soft turrón (almond nougat) – don’t go for the hard version – make great souvenirs.”
Plaça Doctor Trèmols, 8; +34 975 25 82 83
L'Estable
“Traditional tapas by the sea. Try the chipirones [baby squid] and a plate of padrón peppers.”
Drink
Cafe de la Habana
“A dimly lit bar [above] with live guitar and Salvador Dalí sketches on the walls. Order a Coco Loco, made of rum and coconut milk.”
Shop
Nº7 by Belén Casadevall
“A new boutique created by an ex-fashion stylist who worked with Karl Lagerfeld, among others. I’m obsessed with her little crochet bags [above], which are handmade with organic cotton in France.”
Ceràmiques Joaquin Saló
“This fifth-generation pottery store is a cave filled with ceramics.”
Visit
Salvador Dalí House-Museum
“It’s compulsory to visit the museum in Salvador Dalí’s former home in Portlligat. Book your tickets online well in advance and don’t miss taking a walk through the olive grove."
